The Shadow by James Patterson

A Mystery/Thriller, 2021 by Grand Central Publishing, 400 Pages 

What I Didn’t Like:

• The shadow isn’t the main character. While he’s important, this is the story of Maddy Gomes, a teenage girl in the future. If you have a background with this character or wanted him to take center stage, that will be highly disappointing. 
• Under explored powers/gifts. I always like when we’re dealing with supernatural characters who are learning what they’re capable of. I felt cheated that we just jumped right over the part where they were learning them. It made them feel like they were instantly experts. 
• Ending felt rushed and a bit too convenient. Which is weird considering it also felt like it was being left open for future sequels. Not my favorite ending. 

What I Did Like:

• Supernatural powers are always fun. This makes use of a couple of good ones and I liked the way limitations or restrictions were put on them in this world. 
• Lamont is a great character. He’s different than I expected, but still interesting. The entire concept of bringing the shadow into the future is intriguing. 
• Short chapters keep you paced well through the story and heighten in the intensity. 

Who Should Read This One:

• This one will likely appeal to a young adult audience who likes mystery/thriller and is intrigued by the idea of a superhero in a dystopian future world. 

My Rating: 2 Stars.

• It was, in my opinion, problematic to borrow the character of the Shadow for this story. It would’ve been better to use a completely unknown superhero in this dystopian world. Also, this one reads like a young adult story. It would do better to be marketed as one of Patterson’s young adult novels.